Bulldogs star Luke Dahlhaus signing autographs for Sunshine’s junior footballers. 84887_01 Picture: CONTRIBUTED
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
WESTERN Bulldogs’ cult figure Luke Dahlhaus gave many Sunshine Football Club juniors a thrill when he visited training on Wednesday night.
But while Dahlhaus will likely be taking some well-earned time off this September, Sunshine’s senior team aims to be in the thick of finals action.
The Kangaroos sit fifth on the WRFL’s division one table with three games to go and looks to be in the box seat in its battle with Deer Park for that last place in the top five.
Saturday’s 50-point win over the Lions all but guaranteed Sunshine will.
But with a horror run home that includes games against Hoppers Crossing, Port Melbourne and Altona, they have their work cut out for them.
The Kangaroos have won nine games this season, but have not come close to beating any of the four sides currently above them.
Coach Brett Jacobs says his side can still have an impact on the season, but needs to improve its consistency against the better teams.
“We certainly feel like we could have done better and won a couple of more games,” Jacobs said.
“They’re much more consistent than we are, but we’re getting there and we’re working hard.
“We’re slowly getting back, but we are pretty healthy right now with where we are at.”
Injuries have hit the club hard with Kristan Hill, Jacob Koroneos, Lucas Hill, Cory Connor and Joeseph Hedditch all missing games throughout the year, but the club has managed to overcome the holes left in the team.
Jacobs noted the contribution of recruits Chris Tripodi and Hayden Moloney as significant in adding to the Kangaroos’ depth, while goal-kicking captain Macauley Goring has been instrumental since moving to half back.
“It’s pleasing because we’ve had an even spread of contributors instead of relying on a couple of guys, that’s been very pleasing from a coaching perspective,” Jacobs said.
“Right now we’re focused on making the finals, that’s what we’re striving to do, and hopefully we’ll tick those boxes then sit down and set new goals once we get there.
“I certainly think we’re capable, but we’ve got to find that consistency to be able to compete against the better sides in the competition.”
